Laserfiche WebLink
STAFF REPORT <br />TO:Parks & Recreation Commission <br />FROM:Sierra Hietala, Recreation Coordinator <br />DATE:November 4, 2021 <br />RE:Farmers Market Recap <br />ACTION REQUESTED <br />Informational Update. No action requested. <br />BACKGROUND <br />The Little Canada Farmers Market season ended on October 4. The market had run 17 weeks <br />beginning in July. There were 8-9 vendors each week including three returning farmers, a Master <br />Gardener, one new farmer, and multiple new vendors with crafts, sweets, plants, and more. The <br />Market was well received this year, with an average of 225 attendees every week, which is <br />similar to attendance last year. Little Canada Parks and Recreation had a booth at most Markets <br />and was able to greet visitors, hand out program information, and answer questions about City <br />events and programs. <br />New this fall, we are hosting our first Fall Farmers Market on November 15 from 2-5 PM at the <br />Little Canada Bingo Hall. We have had a lot of interest from both vendors and community <br />members to continue the market through the fall and winter months, and hope to make this a <br />monthly occurrence if we have a good turnout. <br />Staff looks forward to continuing to grow the market for the 2022 season by adding more <br />SNAP/EBT opportunities to reach a bigger population of attendees, as well as benefit our <br />vendors by increasing purchases. Another addition that is being looked at is the Power of <br />Produce (aka POP) which is a kid’s program that allows kids $2 to spend each week at the <br />Market, exclusively on produce. This promotes healthy living, and also adds excitement for the <br />younger generation of residents in Little Canada.